Stream features a front that takes after Odyssey, tidy lines throughout, and a squarish rear with prominent lights. The overall design can best be described as neat. Honda deserves credit for designing a contemporary 7-seater that manages to mask its heft well. The interior is driver-focused, and seems intended to be as novel as the Civic cabin. Following the footsteps of Odyssey and CR-V, Stream shows that driving a 7-seater need not be a chore. Sharing major parts with Civic, including the drivetrain, means Stream handles with Civic-like driving dynamics less a little nimbleness. The electric power steering is light and, at 2.7 turns lock-to-lock, quick as well, although it could do with more steering feel. Thanks to the low stance, body roll, relative to many MPVs, is extremely well-contained. In addition, Stream responds keenly to steering and throttle inputs. Riding on high-profile 15" tyres, which are rare on new mid-size cars, gives generally good ride comfort, but the ride can be more supple over rougher surfaces. Tilt and telescopic steering wheel and multiple seat adjustments make finding the preferred driving position easy. The driver-focused cabin caters for long-distance cruising well with supportive seats and a clear view out. The fully-automatic sunroof allows more sunlight in, adding a sense of spaciousness. The small, push-button air-conditioner controls used are less than brilliant though. Honda rarely disappoints in the quality department and Stream is no different. Move inside, and you will be greeted by the solidly-made cabin. To keep prices competitive as Stream is fully imported from Japan, no cows are sacrificed for their leather. The modern dashboard is constructed with high quality materials, complete with attractive finishing; while controls operate with tactility. Honda has one of the best, if not the best, reliability record, thus the sturdy mechanics should withstand the test of time with little problems. The only engine option—4-cylinder, 16-valve SOHC 1.8-litre i-VTEC, capable of 138 bhp and 174 Nm, is paired to the smooth five-speed automatic transmission. Stream works the roads decently quick, completing the century sprint in 10.8 seconds, with the i-VTEC boosting performance at higher rpm. Although the engine is sufficiently flexible for everyday use, it sounds laboured when hurried, hardly incentive for any enthusiastic driving. Stream proves to be a convincing seven-seater that can actually accommodate seven people in comfort. The same cannot be said for many rivals. The wheelbase has been lengthened by 20 mm, but the increase in space is mainly thanks to some creative engineering. Honda leveled the floor area from corner to corner, installed a slim fuel tank for a lower floor, and pushed the driver's pedals forward for more mid-and-last row space. There is useful boot space with third row upright, and the seats can be folded or reclined for more space with the simple flick of a lever. Access to the last row is a little tight though. Running costs are better than for similar mid-size MPVs. Fuel economy is excellent, while maintenance and depreciation should be reasonable. Honda models are highly reliable, which should lower the servicing and repair costs in the long run. Wearing the Honda badge means strong residual values, which are perhaps only surpassed by Toyota models. Stream is priced below key rival Toyota Wish, and also undercuts capable rivals like Mazda 5 and Citroen Grand C4 Picasso. But being fully-imported from Japan and still be competitively priced means sacrifices in equipment level. The unflattering 15" wheels, absence of leather on seats or steering wheel, and the inferior aftermarket stereo are the concerns. However, taken as a whole, Stream still offers good value; just put on bigger, nicer wheels to complete the package. Stream gets 15" alloy wheels, fully-automatic sunroof, Vehicle Information Display (VID), audio system with MP3 decoder, front and rear speakers, 60:40 split fold (2nd row), 50:50 split fold (3rd row), and keyless entry. Safety kit consists of dual SRS airbags, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), front pretensioner seatbelts, and engine immobiliser. Along with the excellent fuel consumption figure, the carbon dioxide emission level is impressively low. Japanese automakers, including Honda, pay significant attention to fuel economy and emissions, bringing about better savings for the consumer while limiting environmental damage.